Easy Oreo Tiramisu Dessert Recipe
When I was teaching high school culinary arts I became an expert at coming up with recipes that kids could make one day and eat the next. And this Oreo Tiramisu recipe is the perfect example of that. A quick no bake tiramisu is layered together and gets better the longer it sits.
Table of Contents
This Oreo Tiramisu is a twist on the classic Italian dessert that requires zero baking and very little effort, so it’s perfect for a special occasion. The creamy mascarpone filling gets infused with espresso powder for that signature coffee flavor, while the Oreos create the perfect swap for traditional ladyfingers.
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Why you will love this Recipe
- It is totally no bake. This easy dessert comes together without ever turning on your oven, making it perfect for hot summer days.
- The creamy elements of the filling. Cold mascarpone cheese and heavy cream whip together into a light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. This Tiramisu Bundt Cake also uses this mixture.
- Oreo cookies with the cream filling and chocolate cookie inside. The Oreos serve as a very nontraditional swap of lady fingers, giving it a fun, chocolatey upgrade that both kids and adults absolutely love.
- Lots of espresso flavor. The instant espresso powder infuses the entire mascarpone mixture with that distinct coffee taste that makes tiramisu so irresistible. I love this element in this Tiramisu Cookie Recipe too.
What goes into this recipe
- Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy Italian cheese is the star of any tiramisu recipe. Make sure to keep it cold until ready to use for the best texture in your mascarpone mixture. If you’re in a pinch, cream cheese can work as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly tangier.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness to the mascarpone filling without the grittiness of sugar granules. It dissolves beautifully into the cream mixture, creating a smooth, silky texture throughout the entire dessert.
- Instant Espresso Powder: This concentrated coffee ingredient gives the classic tiramisu flavor to this no bake dessert without having to brew strong coffee. It dissolves directly into the mascarpone for a perfect coffee-flavored filling. If you can’t find espresso powder, instant coffee is a great option.
- Heavy Cream: Using cold heavy cream is essential for achieving those soft peaks when whipping. This creates the light, airy texture that makes the mascarpone cream filling so irresistible.
- Oreo Cookies: These chocolate sandwich cookies bring a deep chocolate flavor that goes perfectly with the coffee flavor.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to make Oreo Tiramisu
- To make the filling, add the cold mascarpone cheese to a large mixing bowl and mix using an electric mixer until smooth. This creates the base for your creamy mascarpone mixture. Add the powdered sugar, instant espresso powder, and vanilla extract to the cheese and continue to mix until well combined.
- Slowly add the heavy cream to the mascarpone mixture while continuing to beat with the electric mixer. This gradual addition prevents splashing and helps the cream incorporate properly. Once all of the cold heavy cream has been added, increase the speed to medium for a couple of minutes or until the frosting is light and fluffy with stiff peaks forming.
- In a 9×9 baking dish {or 8×8}, arrange half of the Oreo cookies in a single layer, making sure they’re evenly spaced. Spread half of the espresso mixture on top of the Oreos.
- Add the reserved cookies on top of the first layer.
- Top with the remaining mascarpone filling for the second layer.
- Cover and refrigerate the Oreo Tiramisu for at least 4 hours. Waiting is the hardest part! To serve, sprinkle cocoa powder over the top layer of mascarpone cream and then add a mini Oreo cookie to each serving.
Expert Tips
- Keep the mascarpone cheese cold until ready to use. Cold mascarpone creates a more stable filling that holds its shape better when sliced and served. Room temperature mascarpone can become too soft and lose its structure.
- Don’t overmix the mascarpone. Beat just until smooth, as overmixing can cause the mascarpone to separate or become grainy. If this happens, try folding in a tablespoon of cold heavy cream to rescue the texture.
- For individual servings, use small glass cups or ramekins. Layer crushed Oreo cookies and mascarpone filling in clear glasses so your guests can see all the layers.
- Allow time for the dessert to set properly. While 4 hours is the minimum, letting your Oreo tiramisu chill overnight will let the Oreo layers soften a bit a bit more and let all the layers settle together.
- Try different Oreo varieties for unique flavors. Mint Oreo cookies, Golden Oreos, or even limited edition flavors can create fun variations! Just keep the basic structure the same.
Storage and Freezing
Store: Keep your Oreo tiramisu covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The mascarpone cream filling will stay fresh and the Oreos will continue to soften slightly, creating that perfect tiramisu texture.
Freeze: This Oreo tiramisu recipe can be frozen for longer storage. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, freeze individual portions in airtight containers. The dessert will keep well for up to 1 month.
For best results, add the cocoa powder dusting and mini Oreo decorations just before serving rather than before freezing. The moisture from freezing and thawing can cause the cocoa powder to dissolve and it won’t look as pretty.
Recipe FAQ’s
Make sure your mascarpone mixture is firm enough by beating the heavy cream to soft peaks, not just mixing it in. Also, if you prefer a firmer texture, serve after just 4-6 hours of chilling.
Traditional tiramisu is topped with a light dusting of cocoa powder, which is what I recommend for this Oreo version too. You could also add chocolate shavings, crushed Oreo cookie crumbs, or a light sprinkle of espresso powder for extra coffee flavor.
Absolutely! While the espresso flavor is classic for tiramisu, you can omit the espresso powder for a chocolate-vanilla dessert that’s still delicious.
Yes! Simply use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies instead of regular Oreos. Several brands make excellent gluten-free alternatives that work perfectly in this recipe. Keep all other ingredients the same, as mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and the other components are naturally gluten-free.
Do you love no bake desserts? Try these recipes…
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Oreo Tiramisu
Ingredients
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese {cold}
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream {cold}
- 36 Oreo cookies
Toppings
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 12 mini Oreo cookies {optional}
Instructions
- To make the filling, add the mascarpone cheese to a medium bowl and mix using an electric mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, instant espresso powder and vanilla extract to the cheese and continue to mix until well combined. Finally, add the heavy cream slowly and beat into the cheese mixture. Once all of the heavy cream has been added, increase the speed to medium for a couple of minutes or until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- In a 9×9 {or 8×8} baking dish, add half of the Oreo cookies in a single layer. Top with half of the mascarpone filling. Add the remaining Oreo Cookies, topped with the remaining mascarpone filling.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. To serve, sprinkle cocoa powder over the top of the tiramisu and then add a mini Oreo cookie to each serving.
